"A FRIENDLY RUNNING CLUB THAT WELCOMES ATHLETES OF ALL AGES AND ABILITIES"

Cold weather snap but Harriers keep on running - at the OMM, on the Blackdowns; and in Venice.

Wells City Harriers had members out competing at some tough long distance events this past weekend. Given the change in the weather that set in, this was quite a challenge. Some members were taking part in this year’s 2 day Original Mountain Marathon (OMM) in the Black Mountains, South Wales; others at the Herepath ‘Half’ on the Blackdowns and another at the Venice Marathon, which was partly underwater! Last call also for Annual Dinner bookings and nominations for the fabled Harrier bog seat now requested.

The OMM, now in its 51st year, entails teams of two navigating between checkpoints over rough ground and very hilly terrain. The location of the event changes from year to year but is always in a wild and sometimes inhospitable area of the UK. The laminated competition map is only provided to competitors as they actually start. There are various classes of competition with some being based on finding a fixed route and achieving the quickest time whilst others compete in the Score classes, and are based on running for a set time to achieve maximum scores by visiting chosen checkpoints. The Checkpoints have different values based on how difficult they are to find or reach in terms of distance. Failure to get to the overnight camp on the Saturday night within the allotted time results in time penalties. All competitors have to carry all their camping gear, food etc, with them. This event is not for the feint hearted!

Chris Kelsey and son Ben Kelsey were 15th in the Long Score event competing over 7 hours on Saturday and 6 hours on the Sunday. (174 teams finished). They are likely to be the first family team to finish. Max Tindal and university friend Alex Griffith were 20th in the Medium score event competing over 6 hours and 5 hours; whilst Gary Tubridy and Norman Wright were 169th in the Medium score (248 teams competed). Andrew Tindal and Gill Tindal finished in 17th place in the Short score event, over 5 hours & 4 hours. (170 teams) – first mixed veterans pair!

Andrew Tindal reports:

“The Black Mountains was a very good venue for the OMM and this year’s event was a cold one with freezing temperatures at the overnight campsite and a snow storm on day 1!” Gill & I survived to be first mixed vet pair in Short score - Hence podium!”

On the Sunday morning the Herepath Half race over 13.7miles of the Blackdown Hills, saw Harriers Craig Foley and Ali Blaney race, in a field of 168 finishers, with Craig 32nd in 1:52 and Ali 63rd in 2:02 . This race follows a traditional route across the Blackdowns and is highly recommended for those who like getting off road.This result helps both in their quest for a high position in the Somerset Race Series, with Ali in particular still leading the Series. Any Harrier that has completed 8 races by the final one (at Brent Knoll) should advise the Series Co-ordinator of T-shirt size to gain their Series award. Harrier Christian Green still leads the men's rankings and other Harriers are well up in various age categories. For latest Series standings check here.

Craig & Ali after the Herepath

A little further afield, Duncan Verel took on the Venice Marathon and had some flooding to contend with in the final stages as the City experiences exceptionally high tides right now. His time of just over 4.20 was a good return as he recovers from some recent injuries, with dramatic scars. He also made another great effort to be nominated (again) for the bog seat award with his impression of a salmon at this race, although certain other Harriers who go to the wrong venue for their race should also be in line for nomination. Any other nominations to Graham or Paul by the Annual Dinner, please.

Duncan looking good at Venice & enjoying the water

TUESDAY TRAINING schedule for November-December 2018 now on training tab

COMING UP:

Sunday 4th November: Wessex League XC race at Aldon Hill, access off Dorchester Road, outskirts of Yeovil. All athletes have to have registered via Neil or Graham a week ahead.. Event details here.

Wednesday 14th November: All local runners are reminded of the next Street 5k road race, with junior 1k and 2k races. Entry on the night at the United Reform Church Hall by 7.15pm. Those who raced in October’s 5k race have a target of running 15 seconds quicker in order to gain the Bullbeggar Cider or Lamyatt Apple Juice

Sunday 25th November: Brent Knoll Fell race followed by Somerset Series awards (Any Harriers that will have completed 8 races in the Series should advise Series co-ordinator Matt Powell of T-shirt size asap)

Friday 30th November : Harrier Annual Dinner - including draw for London Marathon place(s) and Bog Seat award - nominations now needed. Book your place and menu choice asap. See previous website article for menu.

Sunday 9th December: Somerset County AA Cross Country Championships at University of Bath. Don’t miss the deadline of 3rd December to enter – don’t leave until the last minute! Races for all ages from good age 9 upwards!

(Dorset County Champs probably part of final Wessex League fixture on 16th December)

All details as usual on Calendar and team events on team tab. Check the Calendar and Team tab on a regular basis for events coming up.